Francis Barnabas
Tanzania and Kenya reached an agreement last week to address 14 trade barriers hindering business between the two largest economies in East Africa.
During the meeting in Kisumu, discussions led to the full resolution of only three out of the 14 issues, with the rest to be further addressed at another bilateral meeting scheduled for July in Tanzania.
As part of the recent agreement, Kenya will assist in clearing spirits (Konyagi) detained by the Kenya Bureau of Standards at the Namanga border. Additionally, Kenya agreed to facilitate the clearance of timber imports from Tanzania at Lunga Lunga/Horohoro.
During the eighth bilateral meeting led by Kenya’s Trade Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and her Tanzanian counterpart Ashatu Kijaji, Kenya also resumed tea exports to Tanzania, which had been previously suspended. The decision to address Non-Tariff Barriers follows a meeting between President William Ruto and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu last year.
The two countries early last month also agreed to collaborate on aligning charges, fees, taxes, and trade laws while addressing barriers affecting the movement of goods and people.
This agreement was announced by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Stephen Byabato, and Kenya’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Rebbecca Miano during the 8th ministerial-level joint trade committee meeting in Kisumu, Kenya.
They emphasized the need for Tanzanian and Kenyan laws to facilitate cross-border trade without hindrances. Actions taken include removing non-tax barriers to enhance trade and strengthen bilateral relations. Notable steps include lifting bans on tea imports from Kenya, exports to Kenya, and timber exports through the Horohoro border. Both countries are committed to addressing obstacles practically, monitoring agreement implementation, and enhancing cooperation. This initiative aligns with directives from Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan and William Ruto to boost trade relations by eliminating business hindrances. Future meetings aim to further reduce or eliminate remaining barriers to promote trade and economic growth between both nations.
